The Choklangan Students’ Union (CSU) marked their golden jubilee with a special celebratory programme from 20 to 22 December in Choklangan village under Noklak District.
Celebrating 50 years of hurdles, achievements and the faithfulness of God, the CSU commemorated their jubilee with the theme ‘Ubuntu – I am because we are’.
Reverend Noksa Chiu, finance secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC), marked the ceremonial opening programme and pronounced a prayer upon the celebration.
H Haiying, advisor to Prisons, Printing & Stationary, Government of Nagaland, graced the occasion as the chief guest. While applauding the CSU for their sincerity, he also expressed gratitude to the pioneers for their dedication in bringing the Union thus far since 1972.
Advisor H Haiying.
Haiying addressed the gathering to embrace unity for what is good and to strive forward with oneness. He said that the jubilee is a time to evaluate the past works and also said a community without forgiveness lacks taste.
Mentioning the resources available and the village sharing a border with Myanmar, the advisor discussed the upcoming project on the setting up of a cement factory.
Reverend Noksa Chiu, finance secretary of NBCC, urged the youths to treasure the word of God. Pointing out that it will determine and liberalise their lives, the reverend stated: “Buy the truth and do not sell it at any cost, no matter what the circumstances are.”
Rev Noksa Chiu.
Chiu said along with education, intelligence and moral character are to be seriously acquired, stating that in reality, the so called educated are the ones who are spoilt. Destruction will continue if the generation is not careful, he added.
S Chonta, former president of CSU, stressed on the quality of a visionary leader in his speech. He said a visionary leader sees the world differently while helping others also to see vision. Turn the vision into reality, he said. Furthermore, he said the role of the NGOs is to bring transparency and unity.
S Chonta, former president of CSU.
Chonta said the Choklangans used to live in unity and lamented on the later generations backsliding due to drugs and technology. Advising the leaders to be God-centred, he stated: “How to determine the future lies in the hands of the leader.”
Sanghom, youth secretary of Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association (KBCA), speaking on the significance of the jubilee, said it is a liberalisation from the bondage of the slavery of conflict. He pointed out that it is Christ who makes the youth a warrior of light and truth, living Christ-centred and victorious despite any situation.
Dr Victor, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Noklak, pointed out that the biggest sickness among the student community in the present society is the comfort zone. Mentioning the problems caused within the family and society due to drug abuse and also the dangers of HIV/AIDS, he urged the youths to know the purpose of life and to discuss the future.
As part of the celebration, a Monolith was dedicated by Reverend S Noksa Chiu and unveiled by advisor H Haiying.
The grand celebration was hosted under the shelter of a giant umbrella hall skilfully designed and built purely with bamboo and thatch measuring 75/80 diameter which took exactly ten days to complete involving the work of 40–50 men.
The 50th anniversary celebrations of CSU concluded with a true jubilant spirit, renewing and celebrating unity among the Choklangans along with delegates from far and near.
The village lies 57km from Noklak District HQ surrounded with densed forest rich with biodiversity and the folks skilled with craftsmanship.
